2005
Dec 29, 2005 - "The Gainesville Sun", Gainsville, FL
The terrible loss from suicide
Every eighteen minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide. Usually, this type of death remains quiet, with nothing in the paper and only whispers among family and friends. But when someone is famous those unwritten rules change, and we all hear about such a death in the newspaper, radio and TV. Last week, Tony Dungy and the rest of us learned that his 18-year-old son, James, died by suicide. My heart goes out to him and his family and friends.

Dec 28, 2005 - "Bonita Daily News and The Banner" Bonita Springs, FL
Parents of teen who took his life want legislators to help fight school bullying
When Jeff Johnston went to Trafalgar Middle School, there were few consequences for bullies. Cruel words hurled his way meant peer mediation for him and his aggressor. Instead of escalating punishment for his bully, the cumulative result of repeated insults rested on Jeff alone. The 15-year-old Lee County student committed suicide last summer, prompting his parents and state legislators to try to change the system before the start of another school year.

Oct 11, 2005 - "The Florida Times-Union", Jacksonville, FL
COMMUNITY: Suicide risks real
The word is used by thousands of families and friends each year when a loved one takes a life. The University of North Florida and Forrest High School have both been struck recently by suicides, whose effects tend to ripple through the community. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death among Americans. The rate increases among senior citizens. Among the young, it is the third-leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24, reported the Centers for Disease Control.

Sept 22, 2005 - "News 4 ", Jacksonville, FL
Police: Suicide Victim Found Outside Forrest High School
Police said that a school staffer found a young man's body at Forrest High School on Firestone Road Thursday morning, and police said he had killed himself. Homicide detectives said the body of a teenager dead from a single gunshot wound was found outside the gym just after 7 a.m.

Sept 10, 2005 - "Orlando Sentinel", Orlando, FL
Program identifies signs of suicide
West Orange students help launch a prevention effort funded by a couple whose son killed himself.
WINTER GARDEN -- At 25, Michael Buonauro seemed to have it all: his own apartment, a good job and a successful comics Web site. He was a senior at the University of Central Florida who wrote for the college newspaper, and he was a funny guy whose sense of humor included classroom pranks with friends. But none of those things kept Buonauro alive. On May 28, 2004 -- the day after his 25th birthday -- Buonauro shot himself through the heart.

Sept 10, 2005 - "The Beaches Shorelines", Jacksonville
Letters to the editor:
Suicide imperils all
Below is a reprint of the letter as it appeared in the above link:
In light of the recent news coverage regarding teen suicide, I want to emphasize that suicide is one of the major causes of death for people of all ages throughout our country and community from teens to the elderly. People of all races, religions and income levels die by suicide, which is the 11th leading cause of death. People who are popular, well-connected, educated and seem to have everything going for them die by suicide as do people who are impoverished or alone. Suicide can happen to anyone, and the misguided attitude that it can never happen in your family is why it continues to be a silent killer and a silent epidemic.

The alarming fact is there are twice as many suicides annually than homicides with the No.1 cause being untreated or inadequately treated depression. Depression is a brain disease that can lead to death like any other disease that is not properly treated. It is not a character flaw or weakness but an illness with many symptoms that can include suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Autopsies have shown the brains of these victims are diseased and not functioning properly. Healthy people do not kill themselves. Suicide is not a random act.

Suicide is preventable, and prevention is our responsibility; yours and mine. With the proper tools and knowledge, this problem can be confronted and lives saved. Through education we can learn to recognize the warning signs, learn how to respond and what actions to take to save a life.

Please join us the nights of Sept. 26, 27, 28 or 29 as our organization, together with The Beth Foundation, presents "Ending A Deadly Silence --Suicide Prevention Training: What To Look For, What To Do, How To Help." This free program will be offered on four evenings at four locations throughout Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.thebethfoundation.com or call Survivors of Suicide at 868-5156.

Deborah A. Davis
Director, Survivors of Suicide of Northeast Florida
Ponte Vedra Beach

Aug 21, 2005 - "Jacksonville.com", Jacksonville
TEEN SUICIDE DOESN'T END PAIN
She still remembers the scream. The one that pierced the sleeping silence of the darkened trailer home that midnight hour in June 2001.

Aug 07, 2005 - "Gainsville Sun", Gainsville
Son's suicide spurs mom's activism
Going in, I knew it would be a tough interview. Dredging up pain is never easy, but Judy Bousquet greets me with a kind smile just the same. Bousquet, a 57-year-old with intense blue eyes and hair beginning to make the transition to silver, is a CPA. She's the assistant director of medical/health administration at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.